One-Way Signals: How Do They Work?

[Railsplitter]

I've read the wiki and I've searched older posts, but I am still confused. What is the purpose of one-way signals and how do they work?

Thanks in advance.

[Pyjamas in the daytime]

They force the direction of the trains along the track. If you have two tracks parallel with a switch joining them you can put a one way signal on each track so that trains run in opposite directions

xxxxxx<<<<<<Sxxxxxxx
x
x
xxxxxxxxxS>>>>>xxxxxx

Where x= track, S = signal and >>>> is direction of travel

[mmmcheesywaffles]

They always show Red on the back. Used correctly you are able to set up a circuit that ensures trains will not face each other across lights - blocking each other from the line.

Think of them as traffic lanes on a dual carriageway or highway. They only allow traffic one way.

Usaully you place two tracks in parrallel and have trains go up one way and down the other.

[Railsplitter]

Originally posted by mmmcheesywaffles:

Think of them as traffic lanes on a dual carriageway or highway. They only allow traffic one way.

Usaully you place two tracks in parrallel and have trains go up one way and down the other.

I do that anyway. I think that's where my confusion comes in, because I don't quite see how a one-way signal makes a difference. I probably need to experiment a little.

Thanks for the help.

[canophone]

Originally posted by Railsplitter:

I don't quite see how a one-way signal makes a difference.

When you want to upgrade a station, it prevents trains from turning around that were headed to the station.

When you send trains out of a depot, you can block paths to ensure it goes to specific tracks.

[ChunkHunter]

Originally posted by canophone:

When you want to upgrade a station, it prevents trains from turning around that were headed to the station.

That's more of a (very) useful side-effect.

[Railsplitter]

Thanks, canophone. I can see how that would be very useful.

[chrisasnyder]

They also help when sending a train to free run to the depot or leaving the depot. Otherwise the free run train could run headlong into others and tie up the whole system.

[larry_roberts]

If you sell all your trains on a line they wiil turn round and head for the depot, often going down the wrong line (i.e the left line)!. I think one way signals prevent that!.As you probably know (in addition to clicking on signals) you can also click on the centre of crossovers to allow trains to switch to the middle line, and you can click on railway crossing barriers to change the barrier type!.

[Relayer]

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhXzDzjlSYs4vBgH8O-DeN4nXFGZWfmS1

[canophone]

Yes, basically best to think of them as 'block path' control... That said, there is an issue when it leads to lines no longer being able to complete their path network (seen when showing the main line windows), which also results in no new cargo or passengers at stations.

[Лиззи lizzy]

One line signals don't work because they souldn't be Jused on a 2 lane rail. If that will awnser youre question no problem

mkbinkie,

[mmmcheesywaffles]

Originally posted by mauricekloos193:

One line signals don't work because they souldn't be Jused on a 2 lane rail. If that will awnser youre question no problem

mkbinkie,

One way signals are for ANY number of parrallel rails. They are used to provide one way blocks, separating trains in order that you might use more trains on one line without any suddenly turning around and crashing. In soem cases lines crossing a one way line could inadvertantly allow a train to change direction and join a one way line in teh wrong direction. A one way signal at the junction stops this from happening.

[Martin]

Originally posted by Railsplitter:

Originally posted by mmmcheesywaffles:

Think of them as traffic lanes on a dual carriageway or highway. They only allow traffic one way.

Usaully you place two tracks in parrallel and have trains go up one way and down the other.

I do that anyway. I think that's where my confusion comes in, because I don't quite see how a one-way signal makes a difference. I probably need to experiment a little.

Thanks for the help.

Think it's more useful when you have 4-5 or more parallel tracks, esp where you need trains to peel off to the left or right and don't have the space to make a different config. If you just have 2 or are making a passing lane, ie so two or more trains can pass on a single track.. just use them as usual.

[Railsplitter]

This is all very helpful, thanks, everyone.

After reading these explanations, it seems that one-way signals are very desirable, so maybe they should be the default setting when you set up a signal, instead of having to click on them and select one-way.

[Martin]

Originally posted by Railsplitter:

This is all very helpful, thanks, everyone.

After reading these explanations, it seems that one-way signals are very desirable, so maybe they should be the default setting when you set up a signal, instead of having to click on them and select one-way.

There's a difference between one way and normal mode.

One way, they trains just go through them.. regardless whats on the other side.
Normal, they check the following line is clear, if clear the train moves forwards.

Now I'm doubting myself lol.. I'm sure this is how it is but I'm probably wrong.